General Buyers tips??

[mills233]

Hello all,

Im new to all this, but at present am looking for a van to take on a trip round europe.

Im looking at a t reg 1.9 Turbo Diesel ducato tonight and was wondering if guys had any tips on key things to check with these vans and if theres any tell tale signs to say the vans in good/bad nick.

Obviously theres no hard and fast rules to these kind of things, but any inside information would be greatly appreciated.

cheers

alex

 

[lebesset]

a 1.9T may be fine for local delivery , but for touring around europe ?

my brother had a motorhome with this engine , ran at 3.2 tonnes , struggled up the slightest grade
plenty of 2.8's about , both the idTD and the JTD are much better and as economical if not better , personally I prefer the idTD as it is easier to fix if they go wrong ...also the JTD is better if it is used all the time , which my motorhome isn't

 

[cris1117]

I agree with lebsset I have driven both and have toured Europe in a 2.8 jtd, the jtd was a much better drive.
It should give you about 25/28 mpg taking it easy and around 17/21 at 90 mph so pretty good for the weight.
If you go for one with a cam belt it needs replacing every five years even if it hasn’t covered the recommended millage.
Take your time there are plenty of good deals around and think carefully about the layout of the van.
Don’t be too concerned about previous owners, many people buy a van only to discover the layout isn’t suitable and sell it after a year or two.
Look for any sign of damp you can usually smell it (musty smell) beware of strong air fresheners when you view, and look for any sign of mould especially on beds or curtains.